(This is day 8 of my 31 day blog series: Live Free. )
Hmm, we’re back to another challenge in my life. People pleasing, wanting to be liked and accepted. But as we all know that’s impossible. I cannot please everyone, nor will everyone like me. First off, I don’t have that much energy to bounce here and there and everywhere to please everyone. Secondly, I get way too confused if I try to likeable and adaptable to everyone. Even listening to everyone can get me stuck.
“You should write your book.”
“Make art with your photos. Set up an Etsy account.”
“Why don’t you speak more?”
“You’re doing the right thing by being home with your kids. Just wait on the Lord.”
“There’s a great conference coming up.”
“You can do whatever you want, Tiffany. Stop limiting yourself. Take a step.”
“Maybe we should do something as a team. Want to?”
“What is God saying to you?”
I don’t know what God is saying because I’m listening to too many people.
Do you know what all these opinions do to someone who is searching for a new direction at age 45? They stop me from moving at all. I freeze up. I over think and then do nothing, which we all know nothing is actually something. It’s called, yep, you guessed it: Nothing. Who knows how many opportunities I’ve missed along the way because of people pleasing.
For me to live freer, I must learn to live for God and God alone again. I must turn down the volume of others and turn up the voice of God. I must ask Him for wisdom and that next step. Or else I risk being stuck in my nothingness forever.
And because today is all about living free from people pleasing, here’s today’s t-shirt. I’m wearing it and you’re welcome to wear it too. Let’s follow God together.
“I love you. I care about you and . . .
Because I’m trying to hear God.
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.
If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Galatians 1:10 NLT
Q4U: Do you struggle with people pleasing? If so, how do you handle the pressure? Please share in the comments on my blog OR stop by my Facebook page.
(To find out more about the over 1,400 bloggers writing this month of October. Visit The Nester. I guarantee someone is writing on a topic that interests you! The variety is amazing!! And if you’re on Twitter, look for us by the hashtag #31days.)
Oh girl, I hear you. I was told for so long to write my book (which I am now doing), and I am currently being told I should open an Etsy shop for my art work. I need to close my ears to the world and listen to what Jesus says. Loving your series.
Q4U: Do you struggle with people pleasing? If so, how do you handle the pressure? Answer: a big fat you bet I do, if I am doing what I believe God has gifted me to do and someone thinks I am over-doing I try to recreate my self. If someone comes along and tells me I can and should jump for I could reach the moon, I try jumping! Last night at midnight, I gave God back His ministry. Now I am waiting for Him to tell me how high to jump. Still I hear Him saying “feed my sheep.” Today your blog was right in line with my heart. May God help all of us to simply focus on what He is asking of us. In the end, only His opinion will matter!